Six AAU Ballers That Will Suprise You
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We are checking out a half-dozen players that you will want to get on your watchlist for the AAU season. These guys are all talented ballers but they might be a bit underrated, so we think they might sneak up…
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Continue ReadingWe are checking out a half-dozen players that you will want to get on your watchlist for the AAU season. These guys are all talented ballers but they might be a bit underrated, so we think they might sneak up on you! See below for 3 players from North Dakota and 3 players from South Dakota. You will not be disappointed!
Ballers That Will Surprise You
Jace Jochim Jace Jochim 6'2" | SG Linton/HMB | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’1 SG| Linton-HMB/ND Attack 17U Green
He was an All-District Player this past high school season. Jochim will likely be one of the top shooters in class B next winter. This season, Jace averaged 14.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2 apg, and hit 50 triples. His shooting range runs deep, if you leave Jace open from anywhere inside the VB-line, he can hit it. He seem to have long arms and I really like the looks of his shot. He releases it high and there is no wasted movement. His pull-up J is a thing of beauty and Jochim has no trouble rising up over defenders for a clean look. He is a smart kid with clean basketball instincts. He is skilled enough to play at the next level. If Jochim can get hot and shoot the ball consistently all summer, there should be some college coaches that are interested. Jochim and ND Attack Green get the season started next weekend in Sioux Falls at the Sanford Spring Jam.
Jaden Haley-Cordova Jaden Haley-Cordova 6'1" | PG Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2026 State SD (2026) |5’11 G| Sioux Fall Lincoln/SD Elite
He helped lead the Patriots freshmen team to an impressive 19-1 record. Jaden is a smooth combo guard that can pass and score at all 3-levels. Haley is a good athlete with long arms and his hoops IQ is advanced for his age. It is easy to see that Haley has a good feel for the game and he is an exceptional passer. SD Elite plays their first tournament April 28-30 in Sioux City. The next weekend, they are at Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds in Sioux Falls. In the 15U age group, Haley is one of the first players that I want to see play.
Jake Kuhl Jake Kuhl 7'0" | C West Central | 2024 State SD (2024) |7’0 C| Irene-Wakonda/Sanford Sport Academy 17U White
Obviously, his height/length is impressive. Kuhl is also a gifted athlete, he moves his feet well and he can stay in front of slashers. I am really intrigued by his switchability and I think that will be a big draw for college coaches. I could see Jake being great at hedging and recovering as well. On offense, the 7-footer is a consistent shooter from beyond the arc and he looks good in the pick-n-pop game. His rolling and rim-running are improving. Kuhl has a smooth pull-up J and a soft finishing touch. He passes out of the post and can make splashy plays with putback dunks. The exciting thing about Kuhl is, he is learning and improving every day! Kuhl has already drawn attention from D2 schools and I have a feeling that Mid-Majors will be taking interest soon. SSA 17U White get the season started next weekend at Spring Jam in Sioux Falls. Expect Kuhl to have a ton of eyes on him the weekend after over the NCAA Live period, SSA will be at Prep Hoops Live in Minneapolis. PHD will absolutely be in the front row watching this athletic 7-footer.
Luke Johnson Luke Johnson 6'5" | PF Oak Grove | 2024 ND (2024) |6’5 PF| Oak Grove/Next Level Basketball Academy 17U
I watched him play a few times last summer and then again this winter, wow did Johnson improve! If Luke can improve like that again this summer, he will have some college coaches knocking on his door next year. This season, Johnson averaged 8.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, and shot 45.4 FG%. What surprised me this season was the fact that Johnson is a legit 3-point shooting threat. The BIG man can knock them down from beyond the arc. Luke runs the court like a deer, always gives full effort, and he is a dawg on the boards. Johnson recorded multiple double-doubles this past season and I will not be surprised at all if he averages a double-double his senior season. He is a physical player around the hoop and his skills are always improving. After seeing him play in school ball, I am excited to see what his role will be on the NLBA squad. They kick off the season next weekend in Sioux Falls at Spring Jam and they will be at multiple Prep Hoops events over the AAU season.
Pearce Parks Pearce Parks 6'2" | SG Grand Forks Red River | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’3 G/F| Grand Forks Red River/ECI 16U Prospects
He helped the Roughriders finish 2nd place at the State Tournament. This season, Parks averaged 15.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 50 FG%, made 32 triples, and shot a hot 47 3FG%! With Kraft and Rowekamp graduating, Pearce will be the big dog on campus next season and I would expect his numbers to jump and from him to be an Alpha in the EDC. Pearce played at the Comets Shootout this weekend and he was a standout! He scored the rock from all 3 levels. Parks was impressive shooting off the dribble from beyond the 3pt arc. He is proving to be a deadly shooter off the catch and bounce. Parks is outstanding when he catches at the high post, faces-up, and he can either drill the 15-footer or slash to the rim. Parks looked good sealing on the block and scoring with a turnaround J. When ECI goes small, Parks can guard 1-5 when need be. Pearce looks like a college football prospect, but basketball scouts should start taking a serious look. Up next, ECI plays at Prep Hoops Live in Minneapolis April 28-30. I am excited to see the young Roughrider play!
Seth Hamilton Seth Hamilton 6'2" | SG Spearfish | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’2 G| Spearfish/SD Identity 17U
He does not get the attention that he deserves because of where Spearfish is located geographically. Seth averaged 16 ppg, 6 rpg, and 2 apg in class AA. SD Identity gets the season started at Prep Hoops Battle at the Lakes on May 12-14, I am excited to see Hamilton hoop. He is great off the bounce. His pull-up jumper is beyond impressive. I love how he keeps the D off-balance and he flows seamlessly into his shot. Seth shoots it with a quick release and he has good feet. His range is extended and he will hit them from the cheap seats. Hamilton is athletic in the paint and is a versatile defender. He is not just a stud on offense, Seth is tough, strong, and a salty defender. He has the size and skill to attract college coaches, l am intrigued to see how the AAU season will play out. I have a feeling that everyone is going to come away impressed after that see this Spartan play ball in person.